Science in the Summer: Experiment with static electricity

GlaxoSmithKline’s Science in the Summer program is again offering area children the opportunity to experiment and learn about scientific concepts and methods through fun activities.

Administered by the Franklin Institute, the free program is offered at local libraries. The Pottstown library hosted the program this past week.

As part of the effort, GSK and the Franklin Institute offer this fun hands-on experiment with static electricity that children can try at home. For safety, it is recommended an adult be present for all scientific experiments. Children should wear safety glasses when undertaking an experiment.

Bending WaterWhat is static electricity? Clothes just removed from a dryer, your socks when you walk over a carpet, and lightning are all examples.

Static electricity is a natural build up of charges in many common objects. Similar charges — for example, two negative charges — repel each other, while two opposite charges — for example, one positive and one negative charge — attract each other.

Rubbing certain materials together can move electrons. For example, rubbing a latex balloon with wool transfers charges from the wool to the the balloon, giving the balloon a negative charge.

Test this exchange of electrons using the following experiment:

You will need: Permission from an adult, cool running water, comb, a piece of wool (i.e., sweater, felt, carpet scrap, etc.) and a latex balloon.

Steps:1. Turn on the faucet until you get a thin stream of water.

2. Rub the wool several times in one direction against the comb.

3. Hold the comb close to, but not touching, the stream of water. Watch what happens! Static electricity makes the water appear to bend!

4. Do the same thing, but use a balloon. Experiment with rubbing the balloon with different fabrics and materials. What produces the best charge?

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information, go to us.gsk.com, follow them on twitter.com/GSKUS or visit the blog www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/.

About The Franklin Institute – Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. It is dedicated to creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. For more information, visit The Franklin Institute on the Web at www.fi.edu, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheFranklinInstitute or follow them on twitter.com/TheFranklin.